The Protector

The original version (Tom Yum Goong) is vastly superior to the Weinsteins butchered version known as "The Protector". Sure the plot is still pretty silly, but at least in the original version you can make sense of it. The Weinstein cut just lops out anything that isn't action. The action, however, is some of the best fighting seen onscreen in years.

Two scenes make the narrative nonsense and self-seriousness and ludicrously choreographed non-fight action scenes worthwhile: one breathtaking fight scene that follows Jaa up a flight of stairs for four minutes without breaking shot and another in which Jaa breaks the limbs of 50 GODDAMN MOTHERFUCKERS.

The action sequences are absolutely amazing. If you love a incredible fights then this movie will deliver 110%. The single-shot four minute long fight sequence is an absolutely stellar piece of art. Yes, it's absolute art. Then there's the scene where he breaks about 100 limbs. That's pretty cool too. The story isn't very good, however. So if you're looking for action and a story this isn't for you. If you just want awesome action then this is it.

HAHAHA Holy shit, what did I just watch!? The Thai version has an elephant getting thrown through a plate glass window! The main character only opens doors by KICKING PEOPLE THROUGH THEM! Perfect movie for fans of Tony Jaa and "what the fuck?" enthusiasts.

The fight scenes in this movie could literally be strung together by ANYTHING. There's no plot. Just dude running up to random people screaming WHERE'S MY ELEPHANT? I showed one of those scenes to somebody out of context, it's comedy gold. Obviously the fight scenes are marvelous, but that doesn't make a movie. Or, it does, but it shouldn't.